Accommodation

Finding a flat in Warsaw can take some time and flexibility – especially at the beginning. Offers vary in terms of price, standard, location, and what’s included in the rent. Many ads are posted in Polish and can be quite brief, so the process may feel confusing at first.

To make it easier, here are a few key things to keep in mind when looking for a place to stay.

Types of rental offers

In Poland, apartments are usually described by the number of rooms (pokoje). The most common options include:

  • Room (pokój) – a private bedroom in a shared flat, with shared kitchen and bathroom.
  • Studio / One-room flat (kawalerka) – small apartment with a kitchenette or separate kitchen.
  • Apartment (2 or more rooms) – may include bedrooms and a living room. Be careful: in Polish listings, “2 pokoje” may refer either to two separate bedrooms, or to a bedroom plus a living room (counted as the second room).

Where to search for flats or rooms

  • Online platforms: OLX.pl, Otodom.pl, Gratka.pl – use filters (e.g. district: Ochota, price range, number of rooms) and Google Translate if needed.
  • Student housing portals: erasmusplay.com – good for international students.
  • Facebook groups: Search “Warsaw apartments”, “mieszkania Warszawa”, or “flats for rent Warsaw”. Many posts include English.
  • IBB community: Ask colleagues or post your request via IBB social email or in the WhatsApp group for foreigners at IBB.

What to Check When Renting

  • What’s included in the rent? – Check carefully what the actual cost is and which items are included (see below).
  • Deposit – Most landlords ask for a security deposit, usually equal to one month’s rent. Ask when and how it will be returned at the end of the rental period.
  • Condition of the flat – Inspect the furniture and equipment carefully during the visit. Take photos of any damage – this can help avoid disputes later. The list of equipment is often listed in contractor annex – make sure it fits the reality.
  • Noise and surroundings – Ask about neighbours, nearby construction or street noise – these things are rarely mentioned in ads but can affect your comfort.
  • Private landlord or agency? – Check who you’re renting from – directly from the owner or through an agency.
    Agencies usually charge a commission fee, often equal to one month’s rent, paid once when you sign the contract. This cost comes on top of the deposit and first month’s rent.
  • Written contract – Always sign a written agreement – it protects you legally and is required to register your stay or apply for a residence permit. If you’re sharing the flat, make sure each tenant is listed by name.
  • Language of the contract – It’s best to sign a bilingual contract – with both Polish and English included in one document. The English version will help you fully understand the terms, while the Polish version is required when applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). If you only have a contract in English, a sworn translation will be needed later.
  • Terms and notice period – Check how long the agreement is valid, what’s included in the rent, and how much notice is required if you want to leave before the end date.

What’s included in the rent?

Rental listings in Poland often show only the base rent, but additional monthly costs are usually mentioned further down in the description. Read the full listing carefully to avoid surprises.

CZYNSZ NAJMU = main rent to the flat owner (usually what you see in the headline price)

CZYNSZ ADMINISTRACYJNY = administration fee (water, heating, waste, etc.) – sometimes included in the headline price, but in many ads it appears only in the detailed description.

MEDIA = utilities such as electricity, gas, internet – almost always paid separately and not included in the headline price.

To understand the real monthly cost, read the full description, not just the title.

Example: Ad says: 2000 zł
But in the description:
➞ + 600 zł admin fee
➞ + 300 zł utilities
= 2900 zł total monthly cost

Najem Okazjonalny (Occasional Lease)

This is a specific type of rental agreement that’s becoming increasingly popular among private landlords in Poland. It offers them extra legal protection and requires a few additional steps from the tenant. In everyday life, it doesn’t change much for you – but it’s good to understand what it means in case your landlord suggests it.

As a tenant, you will need to:

  • Sign a notarised declaration confirming that you agree to leave the flat if
    officially requested
  • Indicate another address in Poland where you could relocate if needed ➞ This is just a legal formality – you’re not expected to actually move there.

Sounds challenging? No worries – with a bit of time, effort and patience you’ll definitely find something that works for you. You might consider connecting with other international members of the IBB community and renting a flat together – it can be both budget friendly and a great social option.
Just keep in mind that the process may take a couple of weeks, so try not to leave it to the last minute